Former US President Donald Trump extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, following the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) significant electoral success in West Bengal. Trump described the outcome as a "historic" and "decisive" victory, remarking that India is fortunate to have Modi as its leader.
The message from the White House underscored the BJP's unprecedented achievement of securing control over West Bengal for the first time. This victory brings an end to the 15-year tenure of Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC), signaling a major shift in the state's political landscape.
A "Historic" and "Decisive" Victory
According to White House spokesman Kush Desai, President Trump had previously conveyed his admiration for Prime Minister Modi during a phone call just last month. Desai reiterated Trump's congratulations on the "historic, and decisive election victory."
The BJP's triumph in West Bengal is seen as a pivotal moment, strengthening Prime Minister Modi's position midway through his third term. The state, home to over 10 crore people, represents an electorate larger than many countries, making this result far more than a typical state election.
Modi Hails "People's Power" in Bengal
Addressing supporters in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the monumental win. "A new chapter has been added to Bengal’s destiny. People’s power has prevailed and BJP’s politics of good governance has triumphed. I bow to each and every person of West Bengal," Modi stated.
For years, West Bengal remained one of the few strongholds where the BJP struggled to establish dominance, even as it expanded its influence across other parts of India. This victory marks one of the most significant breakthroughs in Modi’s political journey, completing the party's strategic expansion into eastern India.
Building Momentum in a Key State
Political analysts view this outcome not as a sudden upset, but as the culmination of years of strategic build-up by the BJP. The party had steadily grown its presence in Bengal, consistently polling near 40 percent in previous elections before finally surpassing the winning threshold this time.
Despite lacking the deep-rooted grassroots machinery traditionally associated with Bengal politics, the BJP successfully broadened its support base. The result reflects shifts in voter behavior, with the BJP challenging the TMC's traditional coalition by making welfare promises and presenting a sharper political narrative, thereby consolidating support across various segments.
Banerjee Questions Election Process
In the wake of her defeat to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, Mamata Banerjee has voiced concerns regarding the election process and the role of the Election Commission. She has alleged irregularities, asserting that the results do not accurately represent a fair mandate. Conversely, the BJP has framed the outcome as a definitive rejection of the Trinamool Congress, citing voter dissatisfaction over governance and law and order issues.